How do I Create Art?

I haven’t put much thought into my studio practice in the scheme of creating art. I think I look at it similar to how I handle other activities in my life. I love to plan! I plan, start, and (sometimes) don’t finish a creative idea. This has come in handy in having a store of examples I can use for classes, I taught adult craft classes in the past, however I have found I need to carefully plan the time I’m going to spend completing something OR it may not get done. Sometimes I think the creative idea and the satisfaction of knowing I can create it is the intrinsic value for me and unfortunately without a deadline some creative ideas have been left in the closet. Most of these were types of fiber arts. In Fiber Arts there has to be planning and it’s important to keep the materials and tools organized and a clean work area for professional work. We spend time planning our ideas but they may not always work out like when working with Ceramics some pieces may not work or make it through firing and you just have to accept that and try again – maybe try a new construction technique. Keeping a flexible attitude makes working on Art less frustrating, just enjoying the idea, the planning, and the act.

In creating a piece of Art I first have the idea, then I figure out how to complete the piece, what I need, and how much time it will take me to complete it. The time factor is always important when working in ceramics. If you start a big sculptural piece and you let it dry out too soon you may not be able to complete it, and it helps to let them dry slowly so different parts of the construction need to be scheduled so you can take care of it when it’s ready. This is a particular aspect of working with the medium which can affect how you work. It’s also easier to clean up your tools and work area right after your done working when the clay isn’t dry yet. Also, keeping the studio organized saves time and frustration when looking for something you need. When I work on Ceramic Sculptural pieces I usually am involved in what I’m doing and I really block everything out. I don’t mind noises because I just block them out, but when I’m in my own studio I usually have it quiet. I think I’m pretty good at multi-tasking in some areas of my life but I tend to completely involve myself in the piece and it serves as meditation for me. It’s a good way to block out life stresses and find satisfaction in completing something I enjoy.

I didn’t explain how I get the idea. I usually have more ideas than I have time but they probably come from a variety of visual influences around me. And it may just be I’m addicted to Art!